In the spirit of the holidays I thought I should share with you the most spectacular Christmas experience in NYC! You must go to Rolf's in NYC! It's incredible. Rolf's gives a new meaning to the term "Deck the Halls." You haven't seen Christmas decorations until you've seen this place. It's a rustic German pub that is completely covered floor to ceiling in tchochkes and Christmas decorations. It's as New York as street-food or Rockefeller center! It's definitely a must-see during the holidays. I must warn you the crowds are not like anything you've ever seen. You literally CANNOT get yourself to the bar easily. I recommend going for dinner, which is delightful. We had the potato pancakes and the beef stew with spaetzel (Vegan cheaters I know!) The beers are so enormous you can barely lift them with one hand. But let me just tell you they come with a rather hefty pricetag as well (a bit of a shocker when our bill arrived). I think they were about $25- but to be fair they are about the size of 3 beers. Just be prepared, the food aint cheap either. Also, Rolf's only accepts reservations for parties of 5 or less. They will NOT let you add an extra person. Trust me, we tried. 

I highly recommend a visit but be sure you make a reservation for dinner unless you want to be crammed up against a wall in between 4 other wasted beer-guzzlers!. The ambiance will make you feel like you've really experienced the holiday season! The delightful array of German pilsners and hefeweissen will satisfy your yearning for the Christmas spirit! I don't think these photos do it justice you'll just have to go and see for yourself!

Visit Rolf's this holiday season!!

281 3rd Avenue  Manhattan, NY 10010

(212) 477-4750

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (The MET) is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights right now. It's the best date night ever! We sipped wine in the atrium and were serenaded by a live pianist, cellist and violinist. The wine isn't cheap, the cheapest bottle I believe was about $48 but it's a spectacular Friday evening. They even have fun little bites to eat that were delicious. Curried pistachios! Didn't really complement the wine per se but they were yummy! 

Cheap Trick: The museum suggests you pay $25/pp. However, this is a suggestion. I don't know about you but that's a bit steep to pay once a month (which is how often we go). So instead I say 2 please and hand them whatever I feel like I can afford. I take comfort in the fact that I plan on being a donor when Im rich one day. 

Definitely head on over before other people discover this secret. Hopefully I'm the only one blogging about it It is truly the best cheap date in NYC to be had!

Iconic designer, Diane von Furstenberg has it all—style, success, fame and most importantly staying power. Now the legendary designer adds another facet to her portfolio—a signature scent. On October 27^th, Diane von Furstenberg will host an exclusive event to celebrate her premier perfume, Diane, the designer’s timeless style captured through fragrance. Guests who purchase Diane will have the opportunity to meet the designer and receive her autograph for a priceless keepsake.

For decades, Diane von Furstenberg has been synonymous with effortless chic and jetsetting style. From her signature silhouettes to her bold prints, the style mainstay has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Now von Furstenberg has infused a lifetime of aspirational style into a deeply personal fragrance that bears the name she was born with: Diane. Bright, glamorous and magnetic, the new scent embodies the unique appeal of both the singular fashion collection and the woman behind it. The perfect complement to every ensemble, Diane is the irresistible finishing touch that makes a style complete.

Who:                     Diane Von Furstenberg

What:                   The scent of style

When:                  October 27^th, 6-8pm

Where:                 Sephora in Soho, NYC

SEPHORA Brings the Hottest Names in Beauty to New York

for Fashion’s Night Out on September 8, 2011

This September 8^th, Sephora will be hosting interactive events at nine of their Manhattan locations in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, the most anticipated global fashion initiative of the year. Sephora has pulled out all the stops to make this year one to remember with help from the hottest names in beauty making personal appearances, including Kat Von D, Kate Walsh, Solange Knowles, Josie Maran and HBO® series, True Blood’s™, Kristen Bauer. That’s not all! Exclusive products from your favorite beauty brands Stila, Nails Inc., Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay will be available at all nine Sephora locations on this night only.

Sephora 5^th Ave

597 Fifth Ave b/w 48 and 49

·         Watch Supermodel Josie Maran Shoot Her New Campaign                  6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Meet Supermodel and Chief Chicological Officer Josie Maran as she shoots her latest campaign live in Sephora’s window. After, Josie will meet with clients to give beauty tips and tricks.

·         Groove with Carol’s Daughter “Spokesbeauty” Solange Knowles                           9:30 pm             

Experience Carol's Daughter's styling bar while celebrity DJ Solange Knowles drops a beautiful beat.   Starting at 6:00 pm, three stylists will provide four styling options, Mohawks, Fishtail Braids, Modern Updo and Hair Accessories, inspired by "spokesbeauties" Solange Knowles and singer Cassie.

·         Star in your own Smashbox Studios Photo Shoot                                    6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Smashbox believes that life is your photo op and the world is your set—receive Smashbox color touch-ups before striking a pose with famed photographer and Smashbox co-founder Davis Factor.

·         Ask An Expert                                                                                                                    7:00 – 8:00 pm

Calling all beauty enthusiasts! Have the chance to meet the most famed beauty experts in the industry on one of the most exciting and fashionable nights. Have your questions on hand and get ready to heed advice from these well-known industry names:

o   Sarah Brown, Beauty Director of Vogue

o   Wende Zomnir, Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director of Urban Decay Cosmetics

o   Kate Somerville, Founder of the Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Clinic in Los Angeles, creator of the Kate Somerville Skin Care line of products, and author of the book "Complexion Perfection"

o   Oscar Blandi, hair extraordinaire and renowned stylist to the stars

·         Meet celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville                                                     8:00 pm-9:00pm

Discuss your skincare concerns with celebrity esthetician and creator of Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts product line.

·         Talk tips with Nails Inc. founder Thea Green                                                  7:00 pm-8:00pm

Learn creative tricks from Thea, the founder of the most fashion-forward nail brand from across the pond. She’ll give tips on how to wear the hottest shades and special effects polishes.

·         Meet Actress Kate Walsh                                                                                      8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Take a cue from Actress & Entrepreneur, Kate Walsh and receive the perfect red lip application from a Sephora Makeup Expert. Kate will be on-site to help clients choose the perfect red lip color. Meet Kate’s “Boyfriend” and get ready for a night out on the town.

Sephora 5 Times Square

200 West 42^nd at 7^th Ave

·         True Blood® actress Kristin Bauer                                                                      7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Get eternally glamoured by the tarte™ for True Blood™ collection, inspired by the HBO® series. Pose for a picture with True Blood’s Kristin Bauer or stop by for a makeover with tarte’s artistry team. Whether you’re a supernatural beauty or a vampy vixen, this collection contains versatile shades to take you from dawn to dusk, and well into the night. Plus, you’ll have a chance to win tarte™ for True Blood™ prizes, including the limited-edition palette, natural cheek stain and LipSurgence™ natural lip tint. Will you be turned?

·         Special Musical Performance by TV Star and Tattoo Artist Kat Von D                   9:00 pm  

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime, two song performance featuring tattoo artist, TV star, and beauty brand creator, Kat Von D on piano and vocals by Singer/Songwriter/Producer Linda Perry.

·         Stand in the Spotlight with Caudalie Founders                                           7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Caudalie founders Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas invite you to “Bare It All” for a Film Noir designed portrait shot styled by Mathilde, featuring personal items from Mathilde’s boudoir and photographed by Bertrand. 

·         Explore body art designs with Urban Decay’s Wende Zomnir                     9:00 pm-10 pm

Urban Decay’s cofounder and executive creative director Wende Zomnir will be on hand to show off their exclusive Fashion’s Night Out Starlight Glitter Body Art and new fall makeup collection.

·         Curl Consultations by Ouidad’s team of Stylists                                                     6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

A team of Ouidad experts will offer complimentary hair styling with looks borrowed from the runways, curl consultations, product recommendations and free product samples for hair of all textures.

Sephora Times Square

1500 Broadway b/w 43 and 44

·         Meet Actress Kate Walsh                                                                                      6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Take a cue from Actress & Entrepreneur, Kate Walsh and receive the perfect red lip application from a Sephora Makeup Expert. Kate will be on-site to help clients choose the perfect red lip color. Meet Kate’s “Boyfriend” and get ready for a night out on the town.

·         Meet Lancôme Video Makeup Artist Michelle Phan                                       7:00 – 9:00 pm   

Celebrate the launch of the Lancôme HYPNÔSE Doll Lashes Mascara with Michelle Phan, Lancôme video makeup artist and YouTube™ sensation.

·         Expert Advice from Park Avenue dermatologist, Dr. Sadick                  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm  

Come in for a personalized skin consultation with one of the top dermatologists in the country, Dr. Neil Sadick. Turn back the hands of time and reveal flawless, gorgeous skin, no appointment necessary.

·         Get perfect brows by Anastasia herself                                                          7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Meet famed eyebrow queen Anastasia Soare and her team of brow and makeup artists who will help you to achieve the perfect brows and eye look as seen on the runway with step by step demonstrations.

·         Hair Styling by ghd                                                                                                Starting at 6:00 pm

Be styled by the best from ghd’s artistic team and learn how to use your ghd styler to create the fashion forward looks inspired by Katy Perry and the Era’s Collection.

Sephora Soho

555 Broadway b/w Prince and Spring

·         Love Your Lashes with Make Up For Ever                                                     Starting at 6:00 pm

MAKE UP FOR EVER encourages you to embrace your love for lashes by creating custom faux lashes at the first-ever “Lash Lounge.”  Lash Tenders will be on-hand to help you choose your favorite lash style and more! For those in need of a little inspiration, MAKE UP FOR EVER is also creating an official Fashion’s Night Out inspired lash that will be available for purchase at all nine locations. Lash purchase required for participation.

·         Meet the Stila Pro Team                                                                                      Starting at 6:00 pm

Sit down with the Stila Pro Team at the Beauty Studio and get a makeover and personal consultation while Stila’s professional fashion illustrators sketch your very own iconic Stila Girl.

·         Rejuvenate at the Fresh Lip Lounge                                                               Starting at 6:00 pm

Pamper yourself with high performance bath, body and lip products from Fresh at the Fresh Lounge. Sit back, relax and indulge in the menu of services all featuring your favorite Fresh products.

·         Get your hair styled by Rita Hazan                                                                 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Rita Hazan adds a splash of color to kick off Fashion’s Night Out at Sephora Soho! Join other fashionistas as they get to the root of hair coloring and styling from the renowned celebrity colorist, and watch as a professional graffiti artist transforms a canvas using Rita Hazan Root Concealer.

Sephora Union Square

45 East 17^th Street b/w Union Square West and Park Avenue South

·         Meet Jewelry Designer Tarina Tarantino                                                       7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Meet accessories designer Tarina Tarantino and be the first preview the new TARINA TARANTINO Sparklicity Holiday Collection presented exclusively at Sephora!  While there, enter the sparkle factory, pose for photos with Tarina’s Sparkle girls and enter for a chance to win a sparkling assortment TARINA TARANTINO accessories and beauty items.  

·         Get a Laura Mercier Makeover                                                                           7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Update your makeup look with the help from the Laura Mercier team with a special appearance by Global Brand Ambassador Matin Maulawizada.  As one of the most sought after fashion and celebrity makeup artists, Matin is on hand to give you a new flawless look and pose for a photo.

·         Discover GLO Science at Sephora                                                                       7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Meet America's oral-health expert and GLO Science founder Dr Jonathan B. Levine, DMD. Experience the groundbreaking, teeth whitening technology with the first ever at-home whitening system— using Guided Light Optics heat and light innovation—for professional quality results.  Clients who receive a personal smile consultation with Dr. Levine will also get a free extra GLO Brilliant Whitening Mouthpiece when you purchase a GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device so you can share a brilliant smile with a friend, especially for Fashion’s Night Out!

·         Face-Time with Dr. Murad                                                                                  Starting at 7:00 pm

America's Dr. answers your personal skincare questions during one-on-one client consultations.

Sephora Flatiron

119 Fifth Avenue at East 19^th Street

·         Meet Simone Legno, creator of tokidoki                                                      Starting at 6:00 pm

Watch as tokidoki designer and Italian artist Simone Legno brings his collection to life as he creates a giant mural inspired by the upcoming 24-Karat holiday collection. While there, pose for photos with “24 karat gold” male models and enter for a chance to win a tokidoki 24 karat skateboard deck signed by Simone Legno ($60 value).  

·         Lash-Out with Hourglass                                                                                      7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Desire femme fatale lashes? Stop by the lash clinic hosted by beauty expert Carisa Janes and sample the new cult eye product: Film Noir Lash Lacquer.

·         Get your skincare questions answered by DDF's creator, Dr. Sobel      7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dr. Sobel answer’s your personal skincare questions during one-on-one client consultations

·         Styled by Sultra                                                                                                       Starting at 6:00 pm 

Sit down for a free styling session with Omar Lopez and his team of hairstylists, and experience Sultra's new 3/4" bomb shell curling iron.

Sephora 34^th Street

130 West 34^th Street b/w 7^th and Broadway

·         Meet Celebrity Makeup Artist from “The Rachel Zoe Project”                            7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Learn A-List secrets behind Paparazzi Proof makeup looks from celebrity makeup artist, Joey Maalouf. Treat yourself to TEMPTU’s signature red carpet look and get ready to stop traffic with your Flawless Radiance.

·         Express Yourself with NAILS Inc.                                                                                            9:00 pm

Meet and greet Thea Green, founder of one of UK’s most fashion forward nail brand that just landed at Sephora and get tips and tricks of how to wear the latest nail trends. While learning about this coveted nail collection, Sephora invites you to get polished at the new Sephora Nail Studio Art + Lacquer featuring XpresSpa.

·         Meet Clarisonic creator and treat yourself to a mini facial                    7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Find out about Clarisonic’s cutting-edge technology firsthand with a complimentary mini-facial. When you are finished pampering you skin meet creator Dr. Robb Akridge to learn more about this breakthrough skincare system and be introduced to the new Clarisonic Mia Skyline, exclusive to New York City.

Sephora Lexington

711 Lexington Avenue b/w East 57 and 58

·         Meet Tokyo's Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi                                 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Meet Tokyo's Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi and Hello Kitty.  Be the first to see the new Hello Kitty Film Noir Holiday collection presented exclusively at Sephora!  Make your FNO Hello Kitty purchase even more memorable and enjoy free engraving on select Hello Kitty items.

·         Dr. Gross Answers Your Skincare Questions                                                 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Dr. Dennis Gross, dermatologist to the stars, rolls out the red carpet and provides one-on-one skin consultations. While there also receive an express facial dubbed “The Park Avenue Peel”!

·         Get Brow Beautiful with Benefit                                                                      Starting at 6:00 pm

For one-night-only, purchase Benefit Brows A-Go-Go Kit and receive complimentary brow arch services from a professional on-site Benefit Aesthetician (with $50 purchase of the kit). Go-go your way to glam and get top tips from Benefit National Brow Experts and Benefit Brand Authority Maggie Ford Danielson.

·         Lip Envy with Bite Beauty                                                                                    Starting at 6:00 pm

Discover your perfect antioxidant rich pout with the help from Bite Beauty makeup artists.

Sephora Columbus Circle

10 Columbus Circle on Broadway b/w 58 and 60

·         Get your photo taken with the Buxom Girls                                               Starting at 6:00 pm

Go for the bold and embrace vivid color with the help from Buxom and Bare Escentuals.  Take your pick from a variety of stunning lip shades of Buxom® Big & Healthy™ Lip Polish and bareMinerals® Pretty Amazing™ Lipcolor and pucker up for the camera!  Just for trying, you’ll receive a sample of Buxom Lash Mascara to go along with your luscious look-at-me lips.

·         Have a portrait drawn with Peter Thomas Roth’s new liner                Starting at 8:00 pm

Let Peter Thomas Roth show you how to achieve lashes to die for and get your portrait drawn with his new eyeliner. Artists will be on hand.

·         Achieve glowing skin with St. Tropez tanning experts                           Starting at 6:00 pm

Learn how to get the perfect faux glow/ a flawless faux glow from St. Tropez team of skin-finishing experts.  They will be providing arm and leg consults.

Mix your favorite guidos and guidettes with some singing and you've got the perfect NYC evening out! The Jersey Shore Musical–Jersey Shore-sical hits stages next week!

August 23rd-28th at the Bleecker Street Theater: 45 Bleecker St, nr Lafayette St

For more information about the Jersey Shore Musical, visit their website!

New York City Summer Dinner and Free Concert in Central Park: Imelda May and Wanda Jackson and Luke’s Lobster Review!

Hello Upper-East Siders, Smartypanties here giving you a fabulous and somewhat free summer activity in New York City. Last night my husband and I decided that we were going to try out Luke’s Lobster on 81^st and cart it to the park and have a little picnic. Great date night, right? Then my work husband suggested that we hit up Central Park’s Summer Stage, which was featuring the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson and opening act, Imelda May. Don’t be fooled, I am not the most cultured person in the world. Until yesterday I had no idea who these people were, but I figured I’m going to the park and it’s free so why not check it out!? So glad we did. Imelda May was phenomenal, I’m definitely going to pick up her album (produced by Jack White actually!). Wanda Jackson was a living legend. She used to date Elvis, y’all! But aside from my gossip she still looked and sounded great. She even did a tribute to Amy Winehouse, who I’m sure she never expected to outlive considering she’s in her 70s! Anyway, I highly recommend hitting up Summer Stage’s free events! We brought in our dinner (the only thing you can’t bring in are glass bottles) and grabbed a couple of glasses of wine and some organic ice cream! Bring a towel (or snag a bleacher seat in the back) and come ready to have a good time!

Luke’s Lobster Review! Delicious! If you want a non-mayonaisey lobster roll with huge chunks of lobster, this is the roll for you! Howevs, as per the norm, the lobster rolls are by no means big. They are about the size of a small hot dog, but totally delectable. For $18 you get a lobster roll, bag of chips, Maine soda and a pickle. Not a bad deal! Also, I highly rec the clam chowder! Yum! Just got back from the gym to work these babies off but they’re totes worth the splurge!

Check out Lukes Lobster and Summer Stage’s Schedule!

Also listen up on Imelda May and Wanda Jackson! You won’t be disappointed!

This spring, TGIF takes on a whole new meaning with Fridays at the Sephora Beauty Studio! Sephora has always been the destination for the latest beauty trends, and now each Friday through May 27^th, all 15 Sephora locations in Manhattan will be hosting different interactive beauty events featuring some of the world’s top beauty brands. 

Stop in at your nearest Sephora store to transform your look in minutes with a free Express Service (no appointment necessary), or log on to www.sephora.com/go/fridaysatthesephorabeautystudio and find where your favorite brand will be each Friday to indulge in a new look. Services and brands change weekly so consult the online calendar often to ensure you don’t miss out on your favorites.

A few highlights for this Friday, April 8^th:

Josie Maran at Sephora Flatiron, 119 Fifth Avenue, 2 – 8 pm:

·         Flawless Complexion Express Service

Achieve a radiant complexion in just 5 easy steps with the Josie Maran makeup collection that is infused with her signature, all-natural Argan Oil – perfect to celebrate Earth month!

Fresh at Sephora 5 Times Square, 200 W 42^nd Street, 3-9 pm:

·         Sugar Lip Bar

Visit the Fresh Sugar Lip Bar to experience award winning age-delay lip care and learn how to get sweet, kissable lips!

Peter Thomas Roth at Sephora SoHo, 555 Broadway, 1-7 pm:

·         Meet Brand Founder, Peter Thomas Roth from 1-3pm

Enjoy an Everyday Eye Treatment Express Service and also be on the lookout for Peter Thomas Roth himself!

Bumble & bumble at Sephora 5^th Avenue, 1-7 pm:

·         Express Hair How-To

Learn dry styling techniques from the Bumble & bumble style experts and receive personalized product recommendations to keep your locks looking their best.